What is Structural Therapy?

Structural Therapy is a
form of deep, gentle bodywork that focuses on lengthening and relaxing
fascial tissue. Fascia are the connective tissues that wrap around
muscles. When fascia become constricted due to stress, injury or poor
posture, this creates misalignment, impairs movement, creates chronic
pain and can even cause deterioration of the musculo-skeletal system.
Since fascial tissue wraps around the muscles and attaches muscles to
each other, to bones, organs and other body structures, poor alignment
in one part of the body affects other parts of the body.

What Does a Structural Therapist Do?

The
Structural Therapist works gently and deeply to release the layers of
fascia in the body, realign them correctly, and bring teh body into
balance. Generally this is done in a series of ten one-hour sessions,
during which the therapist works through the entire body. However it is
often possible to treat acute injuries or do spot work in a session or
two.

Long-term change usually requires that the whole
body be treated, especially where there is chronic, severe pain or
injury or structural dysfunction. Your therapist will explain how the
work will progress and the changes you can expect from it. Every
individual experiences the work in his or her own unique way. Some of
the most common benefits are:

Improved body awareness

Enhanced grace and ease of movement

Reduction of chronic pain

Occasionally,
as with all bodywork, the work can be uncomfortable, but overall it is
pleasant and relaxing. People often fall asleep when I am working on
them. I depend on your feedback to work to your comfort level.

Who Needs Structural Therapy?

Consider Structural Therapy if you have:

Poor posture

Chronic pain

Frequent pain in certain parts of your body

Limited range of motion from accident or aging

Excessive fatigue or stiffness

Your Structural Therapist

Bekki
Shining Bearheart is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the State of
Ohio. She has a certificate in Structural Therapy from the Chicago
College of Healing Arts.

In addition to Structural Therapy,
her specialty and preferred modality, Bekki is trained in other massage
techniques and in cranio-sacral therapy. She
practices Reiki and other forms of energy healing, including shamanic
energy work. She depends on the help of her shamanic allies for all the
healing she does.